Trumpet, C/A-flat
Date1983 ca.
Place MadeAnaheim, California, United States, North America
ModelPrototype
Serial No.none
SignedEngraved on bell: BENGE / U.S.A.MarkingsStamped on receiver ferrule: C 204
Stamped on bell ferrule: 204
DescriptionSilver-plated brass, mother-of-pearl finger buttons, detachable bell serving as tuning slide with screw-stop in tube, leadpipe enters upper 4th-valve port. When 4th valve is not in use, airstream goes through upper valve ports for C, windway: upper 4-3-2-1-connecting tube to lower 4. When 4th valve is used, airstream passes through A-flat tuning slide (= first bow) and goes through lower valve ports, windway upper 4-A-flat tuning slide-lower 1-2-3-4.
Three Périnet valves with two valve loops each (1, ½, 1½ for C or A-flat) and key-change (master) fourth valve, bottom-sprung, alignment by one key on tunneled Monel pistons, trigger thumb hook at first valve slide for C.
Prototype of a double principle four-valve trumpet in C/A-flat, designed by engineer Martin Lessen (1920-19990) in 1983, and patented as US Patent 5,052,261 on October 1, 1991. The design was inspired by the Arban-Bouvet system and intended for intonation improvements and to bridge the gap between the modern C trumpet and the low F trumpet. Only about a dozen trumpets of this design were ever made and handed to trumpeters, such as Vince Di Martino, for testing. Lessen introduced the design at the International Trumpet Guild Converence in 1983 with demonstrations by Barbara Butler and Charles Geyer.
DimensionsHeight: 465 mm
Tube length: 1166 mm, 1491 mm
Bore diameter (initial, minimum, tuning slides, valve slides): 11.1 mm, 8.9 mm, 11.7 mm, 11.69 mm (0.46 inches)
Bell diameter: 121 mm (4 3/4 inches)
ProvenancePurchased from Vincent DiMartino, Danville, Kentucky, 1997.
Credit LineJoe R. and Joella F. Utley Collection, 1999
Object number07148
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